Summary
Monster Hunteris a series that does not disguise exactly what it is. You get out there and hunt monsters, get even better gear, and hunt even more monsters. It’s a beautiful cycle of life, of predator hunting predator. Except some predators are a tad more vicious than others.
In Monster Hunter there exists the classification of Elder Dragons. These are not all strictly dragons, but rather monsters that defy typical classifications within the game. And there assuredly are a whole bunch of monsters they just don’t know how to classify. Here’s (just about) all of them.
For the sake of scale, we’ve excluded any Elder Dragons from spin-off games, and only considered the original variants of each monster.
28Kirin - Monster Hunter
Based on the mythological Kirin of Japan, which in turn bears immense similarities to Qilin from China, Kirin made its first appearance back in the original Monster Hunter in 2004. Since then, Kirin has appeared in almost every game since, including Monster Hunter World.
A quadruped unicorn, Kirin also has other variants such as Oroshi and Thunder Emperor Kirin.
27Lao-Shan Lung - Monster Hunter
One of the trademark Elder Dragons of the original Monster Hunter (and actually looks like a dragon), Lao-Shan Lung is massive. So massive that a dedicated arena was made for it to be battled in for the original game.
After the closure of online services for the original Monster Hunter, Lao-Shan Lung could no longer be battled. They made a grand return in Generations Ultimate However, and is so gargantuan, that you can even walk along it.
26Fatalis - Monster Hunter
The third Elder Dragon introduced in the original Monster Hunter, Fatalis has gained a reputation as the pseudo-mascot of the series. They are something of a final boss, the most dreaded challenge each game they are introduced to has to offer.
They’ve appeared in plenty of the game, Monster Hunter World: Iceborne most recently, though they also come with some fearsome variants, like Crimson and White Fatalis.
25Kushala Daora - Monster Hunter 2
The menacing master of wind, Kushala Daora first blew onto the scene in Monster Hunter 2 in 2007. Built of solid metal, you will have a hard time breaking through any part of Kushala Daora without a weapon sharp enough.
They’ve appeared in the majority of games since their introduction, yet have only gained two variants - Rusted Kushala Daora, and Risen Kushala Daora.
24Chameleos - Monster Hunter 2
If you ever wondered what it would be like if a chameleon could also fly and had a penchant for thievery, then Chameleos is your answer. They’re a fearsome monster, even if their appearance makes them seem more light-hearted.
They only have one major variant, Risen Chameleos, though have still had many appearances since their initial game.
23Teostra And Lunastra - Monster Hunter 2
Teostra and Lunastra debuted as a duo in Monster Hunter 2, both empowered by fire but burning in opposing shades. Since then, they’ve become some of the most beloved (and powerful) Elder Dragons in the series, despite one getting much more screentime.
Teostra has appeared in significantly more games than their partner, Lunastra.The duo united again in Monster Hunter World, where they even had a unique attack together.
22Yama Tsukami - Monster Hunter 2
Yama Tsukami is a bizarre monster, and absolutely worthy of its Elder Dragon classification. While many Elder Dragons really just seem to be exceptionally powerful, Yama Tsukami really is beyond understanding. They have an octopus-like body, yet are covered in generations of mould.
Owing to their oddity, they have also only appeared in one game since their introduction, Monster Hunter Frontier.
21Alatreon - Monster Hunter 3
Alatreon made their debut in Monster Hunter 3 (or Tri) in 2009, and feels in many ways like the quintessential dragon. What sets it apart in that regard is its ability to control just about every element there is, swapping their affinity as needs fit.
In terms of appearances, Alatreon have since appeared in both Generations and World and have not a single variant at present.
20Jhen Mohran And Dah’ren Mohran - Monster Hunter 3 And 4
Jhen Mohran and Dah’ren Mohran deserve a mention together. While the pair are different Elder Dragons and also come from different games, they share enough similarities to be seen as a unit. Plus they both literally appear in the same place in their respective games.
Dah’ren Mohran features a much sharper body than that of Jhen and is much more aggressive. Considering the scale of their size, neither has appeared beyond their original games.
19Ceadeus - Monster Hunter 3
If you’re a fan of Monster Hunter 3, then you’ve probably been begging for underwater to come back for over a decade now. Without it coming back anytime soon, monsters like Ceadeus have been relegated to their respective games.
Fought exclusively underwater, Ceadeus swam with great finesse, firing beams of water that would catch the unprepared hunter off guard.
